embargo
/em-BAR-go/
embargo
Embargo (Noun): An official trade ban, often depicted as a blockade preventing goods from moving internationally.
embargo(Noun)
embargo
?international trade ban
sanction
?a penalty for disobeying a law or rule
,blockade
?a physical block on trade
📝 In Action
Estados Unidos impuso un embargo comercial a la isla.
B1The United States imposed a trade embargo on the island.
Levantar el embargo es el primer paso para normalizar las relaciones.
B2Lifting the embargo is the first step to normalizing relations.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
This meaning of 'embargo' is almost always used when talking about countries, governments, and international trade. Think news headlines!
Embargo (Noun): The legal seizure or foreclosure of assets due to unpaid debt.
embargo(Noun)
seizure
?legal taking of assets
foreclosure
?specifically for property
,lien
?a legal claim on property
,attachment
?legal process of seizing property
📝 In Action
El banco inició el proceso de embargo de su casa por falta de pago.
B2The bank began the foreclosure process on his house for non-payment.
Recibió una orden de embargo sobre su salario para pagar la deuda.
C1He received a wage garnishment order to pay the debt.
⭐ Usage Tips
Personal vs. International
While the other meaning is about countries, this one is about individuals or companies. It's what happens when someone can't pay their debts and a court allows their property to be taken.
Sin embargo (Phrase): Meaning 'however' or 'nevertheless,' this phrase connects two contrasting or unexpected ideas.
embargo(Phrase)
however
?connecting contrasting ideas
nevertheless
?more formal
,still
?in spite of that
📝 In Action
Estudié mucho; sin embargo, no aprobé el examen.
A2I studied a lot; however, I didn't pass the exam.
Es un buen plan. Sin embargo, hay algunos riesgos que debemos considerar.
B1It's a good plan. Nevertheless, there are some risks we must consider.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'However' Phrase: sin embargo
Think of 'sin embargo' as a fancy way to say 'but' or 'however'. It connects two ideas, where the second idea contrasts with or is an unexpected result of the first.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Translate Literally
Mistake: "Thinking 'sin embargo' means 'without embargo'."
Correction: Treat 'sin embargo' as a single, fixed phrase that means 'however'. The two words always go together to create this meaning.
⭐ Usage Tips
Punctuation Matters
When 'sin embargo' connects two full sentences, it's often preceded by a period or a semicolon and followed by a comma, just like 'however' in English. Ex: 'Me gusta el frío; sin embargo, prefiero el verano.'
Yo embargo (Verb - Present Tense): The conjugation meaning 'I seize' or 'I confiscate' assets legally.
embargo(Verb)
I seize
?present tense 'yo' form of embargar
I place an embargo on
?international trade
,I confiscate
?general taking of property
📝 In Action
Como oficial del juzgado, yo embargo los bienes de los deudores.
C1As an officer of the court, I seize the assets of debtors.
💡 Grammar Points
Spelling Change Alert!
To keep the 'g' sound hard (like in 'go'), the spelling changes in some forms. Notice 'embargué' (I seized) and 'embargue' (a special form for wishes/commands). The 'u' is added to keep the sound right.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: embargo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'embargo' to mean 'however'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'embargo' and 'bloqueo'?
They are very similar! 'Embargo' is usually a legal or political decision to stop trade. 'Bloqueo' (blockade) can be more physical, like using ships to stop goods from entering a port. However, in the news, they are often used interchangeably.
Can I use 'pero' instead of 'sin embargo'?
Yes, most of the time! 'Pero' (but) is more common and a bit more informal. 'Sin embargo' (however) is great for writing and sounds a little more formal. Think of it as the difference between 'but' and 'however' in English.